IOL reports that the possibility that prison guards may have assisted seven men in their escape from Waainek Correctional Centre in Makhanda on Monday is being investigated.
According to news reports, this was a possibility that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) was not ruling out. A DCS spokesperson has reportedly indicated that all parties would be investigated. Five of the seven men were convicted of rhino poaching and were due to be sentenced next month. The other two men reportedly face charges of murder and attempted murder, while one of the two also faces kidnapping charges. During their escape the men are alleged to have used 300mm hacksaw blades to cut steel bars. The blades can be bought over the counter for R30 and were found strewn about on the prison grounds. Two of the escapees have been re-arrested, while five remain at large. The men are all Zimbabwean nationals.
- Based on reports at IOL and The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page